God brought Israel out of Egypt and for many years the nation accepted the rule of the Lord. Then they wanted to be like the nations with a great man as their king.

The two books of kings tell us about Solomon’s glorious reign, and the 39 kings who ruled Israel and Judah after him. Solomon built the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem, but ended up worshiping idols. The kingdom of Israel went ever deeper into sin and was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Judah had some good kings and lasted 135 years more. Finally the people were taken to Babylon as captives.

So these two books tell us about God’s people from the rule of Solomon to the end of the kingdom. God has yet to say the last word. His Son Jesus Christ is coming back to rule over Israel and the whole world.